The first glimpse of the Gateway Linear Park entrance to Plasdŵr, Cardiff’s ‘garden city for the 21st century’ has been released
The Gateway Linear Park will lead to Wales’ largest development, which will deliver up to 7,000 homes over the next 20+ years.
Located close to Llantrisant Road in Plasdŵr’s Groeswen neighbourhood, the wide tree-lined avenues and greenery will connect the development and surrounding communities to key locations in Plasdŵr.
These include:
- The main commercial centre.
- Canol Plasdŵr / Plasdŵr centre.
- Residential areas.
- The primary school.
Getting out in nature
The development will devote 40% of its land to green space and so the Gateway Linear Park will allow Plasdŵr residents and visitors to escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors.
The inclusion of designated play trails, outdoor seating, footpaths, cycleways, and wooded areas will encourage the local community to relax in nature but also to keep active and healthy.
The foot and cycle path routes have been carefully designed so that they prioritise active travel and public transport, linking residents to amenities safely and easily.
Sustainability initiatives
Plasdŵr has made a commitment to sustainability which the Garden City will uphold.
A series of swales – planted drainage features – will be installed which will reduce the number of pollutants entering the sewage network, and enhance biodiversity in the area.
Additional features include:
- Drainage ponds.
- Trees
- Wildflower meadows.
All of the above will benefit local ecosystems and habitats for local wildlife.
Public art
Public art installations will appear throughout the Gateway Linear Park, with commissions planned for both entrances of the park from Llantrisant Road.
By working with local Welsh artists, Plasdŵr aims to celebrate local heritage and the surrounding landscape. These themes will be eventually repeated across the development in a variety of installations in key public spaces.
‘Cultural well-being of the community’
Wayne Rees, project director of Plasdŵr, said: “We’re really pleased we’re finally able to announce specific details on Plasdŵr’s Gateway Linear Park.
“As with other aspects of Plasdŵr, our aim is to take inspiration from local heritage and landscape and the Gateway Linear Park gives an early indication of how the garden city will look and feel once its complete.
“The development of green infrastructure is a key element of our plan showing our wider commitment to creating a sustainable community.
“We’re also looking forward to partnering with local talent through commissioning pieces of art.
“This will make a significant contribution to the cultural well-being of the community as well as the physical landscape.”
